Cancún vs. Tulum: Public Safety and Tourism Shifts

Cancún recently bolstered its public safety measures with the addition of 127 new units equipped with cameras and advanced technology. Mayor Ana Paty Peralta made it clear that these new resources are not an excuse for misuse of power. She stated, "Dignifying our police does not mean allowing abuses, these patrol vehicles are tools to serve the people, not to take advantage of the uniform and badge." She emphasized her intolerance for corruption, noting that 147 officers have been dismissed since 2022 for misconduct or abuse of authority.

Meanwhile, Tulum has been dealing with police corruption. Three municipal police officers were recently arrested for extortion, kidnapping, and misappropriation of funds. The State Attorney General's Office reported that they had kidnapped a motorist and forced him to transfer 40,000 pesos to them. Tulum, according to the National Citizen Observatory, has the highest rate of violence in Quintana Roo, with over 4,000 investigation files opened per year on average.

In terms of tourism, a report by the Newsdaycaribe portal rated Tulum poorly due to high costs, limited beach access, and perceived insecurity. The report criticized the chaotic urban layout of the tourist area, where bicycles, motorcycles, cars, trucks, and pedestrians all share a narrow two-lane road, posing a risk to pedestrian safety.

The report also noted the confusing fee structure for parks and natural areas, confirming local complaints about triple costs to access beaches, the Tulum archaeological zone, and protected areas of Tulum National Park and Jaguar Park. The analysts concluded that they would not return to Tulum. In contrast, they had a positive view of Playa del Carmen, particularly its lighting, but were disappointed with the experience at Cancún's International Airport.

While the addition of new tools can enhance public safety, it is the professionalism and governance of the authorities that truly make a difference. Cancún's dismissal of nearly 150 corrupt officers sends a strong message about its commitment to maintaining public safety.